Sexual Dysfunction and Diabetes

It is believed that between 35-75% of men with diabetes will experience sexual dysfunction (impotence) during their lifetime. Moreover, men with diabetes also tend to develop erectile dysfunction up to 15 years earlier than men without the condition.

However, sexual dysfunction can also affect woman who have diabetes. Research and studies have show that women with diabetes are twice as likely to experience sexual dysfunction compared to woman who do not have diabetes.

This blog will take a look at the link between diabetes and sexual dysfunction.

How does diabetes cause sexual dysfunction?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that arises when there is not enough insulin being produced to control the level of glucose in the body. Diabetes currently affects up to 3.2 million people in the UK.

For men, diabetes can lead to damaged nerves and blood vessels, particularly if the condition is not effectively controlled. As a result, these impairments can restrict blood flow to the penis and make it difficult to achieve an erection.

On the other hand, for women, the combination of diabetes and sexual dysfunction can result in the following: loss of sexual desire, arousal, as well as dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and inability to orgasm.

What treatments are available to help with sexual dysfunction and diabetes?

Most men who have erectile dysfunction can take prescription oral medications like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. These treatments help to increase the blood flow to the penis, making easier for men to maintain an erection.

Unfortunately for women, there is no current prescription treatment at hand for sexual dysfunction, and research remains ongoing. However, there are remedies that can help manage the symptoms, in the form of lubricants and aids for clitoral stimulation.

For more information, or if you are concerned you may be suffering from sexual dysfunction relating to diabetes, speak with your doctor who can you decide on a suitable course of treatment.